Berrien County Youth Fair - 2009

We ended up going down to the fair 3 different times - Once for the Circus, once for Megan to ride the rides and once to hang out with cousin Adam. It was a great week for the fair, and for the most part was unusually cool. It's hard to believe that it was mid-August with the pictures below of us in our sweatshirts.

Tues Mom and I took the kids to the Circus at the Fair. Mom and Megan actually rode on an elephant...ah, what you do for the Grandkids. I guess that Mom can cross that one off of her Bucket List....

As for the circus. I swear that the entire Circus cast consisted of 6 people. The trapeze artist was also the dare devil on the motorcycle who was also the Lion Tamer who was also responsible for the Elephant rides before the show. By the time that the 3 elderly ladies (70s) came out with their poodles for their 3rd act, it was time that we got out of there. It held the kids attention for about the first 20 minutes, after that we were struggling to keep them in their seats and not fall through the bleachers.

If you look close enough..you can actually see a picture of me. :) But, notice that I had to take it of myself, and Jenna looks oh so thrilled. She was trying to watch the Circus, but I put the camera in the way. I really need to start pushing the camera off on the other adults so that my kids will know that I was actually around and just not behind the camera.

We had some time to kill before Dad and Leigh met up with us for dinner. So, we walked through the animal barns. Mom made me promise not to write anything about her "incident" in the animal barn...but, for those of you reading this, make sure to ask her about it. I have pictures as proof, but she would kill me if they were posted on here. Don't worry, I will hold onto them as they make great Blackmail material.

By the time that we met up with Leigh and Dad, Mom and I were pooped And, of course the guys couldn't understand why we were so tired...I'm sure that the wrestling on the bleachers, chasing through the animal barns and humidity for the day had nothing to do with it. Corndogs, Freshly squeezed lemonade and Elephant Ears were on the menu.

We stayed clear of the ride area on our first visit. We knew that Jake and Jenna would want to ride on them all and they weren't quite tall enough....which was the recipe for a couple of Major meltdowns. So, Megan was promised a special day so that she could ride on the rides. Next year, we will brave it will all 3. We better start saving up our $ now. We met up with so many of Megan's friends and she had a great time.

Megan and Paige

Megan and Claire

Megan and Campbell

Saturday Matt and Jenny brought Adam for his first fair visit. Although the weather was rainy and on the cool side, a great time was had by all.

Megan lost her teeth...

My little girl already lost her 2 bottom teeth. About 2 weeks ago, we noticed that one of the teeth on the bottom were loose. We were surprised since it is sooo early. Megan is only 4, although she turns 5 in October. However, when we took a look, we could actually see her big teeth coming in behind her baby ones.

So, a week later, I picked Megan up from the sitters and Megan had a surprise for me. She had lost her first tooth, but swallowed it with a Gummy Worm. Lou told Megan that the ToothFairy took IOUs. I had to explain to Megan that although we could write the Toothfairy a letter to explain what happened...the tooth was gone for good.

So, that night, Megan wrote the following note to the Toothfairy. She was more excited in the morning when she woke up, the letter was still there, and the Toothfairy wrote her a note back in return. It said, "Great Job Megan. I'll be back soon for the next one."

So, two nights later, I got the experience of pulling my first tooth. I'm not sure who was more nervous...Me or Megan. It took 3 tries, but we finally got it out. It was barely hanging on, but I couldn't get a good grip on it. I think that I've got it down for next time. Megan did great...cried for only a second, but couldn't believe me when I told her that it was done.

We of course had to make something else for the Toothfairy for trip #2. This time Megan drew a picture of her in bed with the toothfairy coming to take the tooth. Complete with Windows, Curtains and her night light. I loved it!!!

They really do grow up too fast.

Megan's First Sleep Over

Megan had her Best Friend, Grace Vitale over on Saturday night for her first slumber party. The girls were SOOO good! They played well, even with Jake and Jenna. Once the babies went to bed, we put in Hercules (their choice) and popped popcorn. After a full day of swimming and playing on the swingset, I thought that they would crash early...at 10:30 they were still awake. At 11:30, this is what I saw...how sweet.

And this is what the toy room looked like in the morning, but it was all worth it.

Buchanan Summer Reads Program

Thanks to Megan's daycare provider, Louann Wesner, Megan has been very busy with summer activities. One of them was the Buchanan Library Summer Reads Program. Each week they would walk to the library and pick out 2 books. Throughout the week, Louann read each of the books and kept track of what was read at the library.

Leigh and I took all of the kids to the Commons for the Final program. There was a juggling act for entertainment, face painting and hotdogs and watermelon for all. It was a great time and it was great to see Megan laughing at the jugglers jokes. She is growing up quickly before our eyes.

Megan not only got a Certificate with her name on it, but she was also lucky enough to have her name drawn for a special prize. She got to bring home Veggie Tales DVD. She was so excited to walk up on the stage. I'm so glad that we went!!!

Summer Fun

Although the weather has been on the cool side this year. We have managed to have a couple of pool parties. It's fun to be able to hang out with our friends and it is great to watch all of the kids play together. But, boy oh boy, have our "get-togethers" ever changed since having kids. They definitely start and end earlier...crabby and tired kids have a way of putting an end to the fun. No more late night parties. However, it is nice since we are all in the same boat.

Patamiwatime Zoo (Megan's version)

Yep, so we've spent alot of time at the Zoo's this year. This was Cousin Adam's first trip to the zoo. Another great day had by all. I don't think that the zoo will ever get old.

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

What a GREAT place to take the kids. Dad had a Sales call in Fort Wayne, so I took the day off of work and Mom drove with to take the kids to the Fort Wayne Children's zoo. It was a perfect day. The weather was wonderful and the kids had a great time. Their favorite animal by far was the Sea Lions.